Bradley Simmons, a native of New York City, began playing Afro-Cuban and African percussion when he was 9 years old. From that point on and through his teenage years, he traveled throughout the city seeking out percussion teachers from Haiti, Cuba, and Africa to enhance his understanding of these rhythmic forms, styles, and techniques. Bradley has played numerous on-Broadway shows and shared the stage with Eartha Kitt, Gregory and Maurice Hines, Miles Jaye, and Oba Babatunde.
Currently, Bradley is a Musical Director at Duke University in Durham, NC, where he teaches West African Music and History. His classes focus on djembe, songba, djun-djun and kenkeni. He also teaches Afro-Cuban percussion classes off-campus. He is the leader of the percussion ensemble, Elements of Percussion which tours locally and nationally.